How often, when contemplating the unlikelihood of a new band surviving
through the vagaries and turmoil of modern music’s rough and tough seas.
Do you provide a sprig of hope for the hopefuls, by reference to the fact
that The Mission does it time and again? Just like the bulk of the material
that has permeated their 21 year career, ‘God Is A Bullet’ encapsulates
all of the cathartic jamming, life’s underbelly revering lyrics and the
dragging, laboured and evergreen cry of Wayne Hussey.

Luridness, eerie ambience and hollow vocals are all on proud display
in the instrumentally aching and grunge driven ‘Still Deep Waters’. Empathy
oozes out of this stark foray into the human soul. Thus demonstrating,
The Mission’s oblique depth has even been added to by another level.
Early on, it’s easy to tell, especially, when the stridently resounding
guitars and percussion opens out for ‘Keep It In The Family’. That Hussey
and his long-time cohort, Craig Adams are holding up a glass of musical
champagne in acknowledgement of their decision to leave The Sisters Of
Mercy all that time ago.

The slightly off-kilter and thoughtful accompaniments continue to grow
in impact to continue the quaint vibe implanting that has been a theme
of albums’ past. Hussey’s
demonstrative vocals raise the profile for the bemused and philosophical
foray, ‘Very Same Hands’. Even when you’re an outfit who has seen nearly
everything, there are still things beyond your comprehension;

“ I don’t understand what drives a man, to love and kill
with the very same hands.”

This album has been recorded between the locations of Bath and Brazil
(in Hussey’s own Green Room Studio). It also flits between two worlds,
at times there is searching instrumental escapism and, at others, the almost
epiphany enhancing lyrics take centre stage. This is best drawn out through
‘Acquarius & Gemini’.

The instrumental foraging is consistent throughout, with a love of jamming
and the controlled, cathartic nature attached to it, shining through. It
is testified to via ‘Chinese Burn’ and through a The Fridge and Blind Melon
serenading Mogwai, slow-builder ‘Hdshrinerea’.

An attention to song-building detail is shown with pride and precision,
as you get the impression that Hussey, especially, is taking time to enjoy
the finer things in music. The numerous line-up changes that have occurred
over the years have often rendered each album like a debut from a new band,
rather than being a continuation of a quest. In contrast to something you
would probably expect from a band of this vintage.

By utilising several special guests (inclusive of Simon Hinkler, original
guitarist with The Mission), it allows the band to search again for the
expansiveness and chemistry that bound together much of their early material.
‘Draped In Red’ embodies these qualities and wears them with a self-confident
swagger;

This is immediately followed by the slow, paranoia streak of ‘Running
With Scissors’, representing their lash-out at the gore-seeking media.
Hussey is definitely not just singing for singing’s sake. On the whole,
‘God Is A Bullet’, draws out the fact that The Mission, more than ever,
still has a purpose and a point, well several to be precise.